NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

SUGABABES   "ONE TOUCH" 2000 OVERLOAD - This debut album recored by the original three members as teenagers, was a brilliant first set.  This opening track was smooth, R 'n B/Funk with a throbbing steady drumbeat and some almost lazy, but engaging vocals.  The single reached number 6 in the UK chart and was a storming introduction to the girl group's career, as powerful an ear opener as Spice Girls' "Wannabe". ONE FOOT IN - This song is pretty much a straight forward 90s style Pop song in the vein of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in their fledgling days.  A very accomplished track although a comedown from the opening track, it still has merit. SAME OLD STORY - Another very smooth and mature track that you would believe it from Destiny's Child or maybe TLC not by 3 teenage girls.  This is a cool funky song with some really nice harmonies. JUST LET IT GO - Again a song that the previous aforementioned seasoned girl groups would be proud of.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA "STRIPPED" 2002     STRIPPED INTRO - Exactly what it says, its an intro.  A few effects, almost like radio searching and Christina vocals. CAN'T HOLD US DOWN (Featuring Lil' Kim) - Funky Hip Hop with some R n' B thrown in for good measure.  It reached Number 6 in the UK charts and is considered by some quarters as a "feminist anthem". WALK AWAY - Piano led ballad, emotional vocals from Christina singing about an abusive relationship, really nice laid back song with a message. FIGHTER - One of my favourite tracks, a more rockier sound which suits Christina's booming vocals really well.  Elements of Classic Rock with slight hints of R n' B, clever.  Catchy and memorable chorus.   Brilliant song.     PRIMER AMOR INTERLUDE - 50 second Spanish interlude, a filler but not really sure why its here. INFATUATION - Very similar style to "Genie In A Bottle".  Pop song but not as catchy as the afore

BILLY JOEL "AN INNOCENT MAN"   1983     EASY MONEY - A Soul/Funk foot stomper, in the style of James Brown and one of my favourites, and maybe could have been a single but maybe there were just too many great tracks on this album. AN INNOCENT MAN -  The 50s style of The Drifters (of whom my dad was a big fan) sounded great to me and brought back some memories of secretly playing the band's hits on old vinyl.  The song continued Billy's Top Ten singles successes from this album. THE LONGEST TIME - Again another different style and genre.  A classic Doo-Wop song complete with finger snaps and hand claps and various harmonic vocal backing.  The crazy thing is, these songs are usually made by vocal groups but Billy decided he wanted to do all the backing himself including the percussive elements and vocal ranges. THIS NIGHT - Probably the the "filler" song for me, not that it is bad but the other songs are so gre

THE BESSER 3 "TIME TRAVELS " 2018     WHO'S COUNTING? - The opening track is a kind of march style song with full force.  Very dramatic and mysterious, clever off beat and off tune elements which reminds me of a soundtrack to a movie thriller.  A mix of light piano and heavier, angry chops and the Swing style slow, jagged tempo set us up for a rollercoaster ride of experiments to come. KLEZMATIZED - Uptempo foot tapping track, sounds like a real Jazz jamming session.  Gives the feeling of happiness and fun and the funky bass gives this a real lift.  Really love this track, all musicians give the impression that this was a good time! SWINGTIME OUT - Gentle, bass and piano in this real Swing Jazz chilled out track.  Minimal sounding but very casual and easy on the ears.  I can imagine being in an old style bar late at night with the band playing on stage in the cool, smokey air. STEP FIVE - Romantic and emotive sounding track, again would be a

CYNDI LAUPER "SHE'S SO UNUSUAL" 1983     MONEY CHANGES EVERYTHING - The opening track of Cyndi's debut album was a cover of The Brains'  1980 underground hit.  New Wave Rock Pop, Cyndi explores her vocal range to the hilt with some ear piercing, amazing high notes, which critics' adored later on her career.  Great uptempo start to a great album. GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN - One of Cyndi's signature tunes and became a feminist anthem and a hit all over the globe.  Perfect 80s Pop, with elements of Dance and Rock, and an unbelievably catchy sing along chorus.  One of the best and most memorable songs of the 80s decade. WHEN YOU WERE MINE - As a Prince fan I recognised this cover version on first listen.  A brilliant 80s Synthpop style track where she kept all of the he/him/his pronouns in the lyrics.  A mid tempo ballad that stands on its own and gives Cyndi's album a more mature track amid the hits.   TIME AFTER TIME

  THE TIME   "THE TIME" 1981 GET IT UP - Although this debut album by the Prince proteges is basically a Prince recording (all instruments except a Dr Fink synth solo on "Cool") , Morris Day does sing the vocals.  The Time became a popular live band on Prince tours and became a band in their own right.  This opener is a funky soul workout with keyboards and guitar solos at the fore.   GIRL - A pretty basic slow soul ballad, sadly the vocals of Morris Day cannot lift this like Prince probably could.  Average track. AFTER HI SCHOOL - In the vein of Prince's quirky fast paced sparse funky tracks such as "Gotta Stop (Messin' About)" and "Jack U Off".  Its a decent song but nothing great despite being written by former Prince guitarist, Dez Dickerson. COOL - 10 minutes of classic Prince Funk, a throbbing beat, the aforementioned Dr Fink synth solo make this a very "cool" track indeed.  Best track on the album for me.  Co-written

  PAUL YOUNG “NO PARLEZ” 1983 COME BACK AND STAY - A cover of Jack Lee’s 1981 song opens this debut album by one of the best voices in music.  This is a Soul track with an updated New Wave style.  This fourth single from the album reached number 4 in the UK chart following on the success of "Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)".   LOVE WILL TEAR US APART - A great, updated cover of Joy Division's 1980 classic.  The elements are still there from the original with Paul giving it a Soul update  WHEREVER I LAY MY HAT (THAT'S MY HOME) - The fantastic track that got me listening to Paul regularly.  Such a great vocals on this track. First recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1962 this rendition got Paul his first number 1 in the UK and set him on the way for a great 80s and long standing career. KU KU KURAM A - A madcap 80s Synth Pop/New Wave track reminiscing Nik Kershaw or Howard Jones.  Its engaging but an experimental mish mash and wastes Paul's voice hidden in the

SPICE GIRLS "SPICE" 1996   WANNABE - The opening track and debut single by the girls.  A mega hit all over the globe and introduced "girl power" to the masses.  An almost Motown Dance Pop feel interspersed with rapping segments it paved the way for numerous girl acts throughout the 90s and beyond.  Ironically not my favourite "Spice" song I think they have made better tracks.     SAY YOU'LL BE THERE - One of my favourite tracks by the girl and the video allowed the girls to glam up "superhero" scenarios.  An Electronic backing track with a Motown/R n' B style make this a memorable song with a touch of a harmonica solo as well.   2 BECOME 1 - A lush, sophisticated Pop ballad that became a Christmas Number One despite the lyrics talking about two lovers bonding and the importance of using contraception.  Really lovely song and a Spice gem. LOVE THING - The first non-single to appear on this album.  Its pre

  JACK SAVORETTI  "EUROPIANA" 2021 I REMEMBER US - Jack's seventh studio album opens with this unusual merging of Europop and an orchestral Rock ballad.  Containing childlike harmonised voices and Jack's emotional throaty vocals.  A really nice song.  Anthemic and 80s-like. SECRET LIFE - Another genre explored here, Jack gives us some midtempo Dance music with a throbbing, steady drumbeat similar to late 80s, early 90s clube hits.  WHO'S HURTING WHO (featuring Nile Rodgers) - Co-wriiten with Mark Ralph and the Chic legend Nile Rodgers.  A catchy, memorable chorus intertwines a great retro 70s funky Disco feel.  Great track.   WHEN YOU'RE LONELY (featuring John Oates) - This track includes another star of the 80s, one half of Hall & Oates!.  The song has a slight Latin feel and is a laid back slow Pop ballad.  It reminds me of Wet Wet Wet in their heyday.  MORE THAN EVER - A slow, piano led ballad that Jack lifts to new heights with some impassioned, emot

DEACON BLUE "WHEN THE WORLD KNOWS YOUR NAME" 1989 QUEEN OF THE NEW YEAR - Fast tempo Celtic Folk sound, starting with the drums in marching band mode and just building and building to this massive crescendo of a chorus.  A real foot stomper to open the album! WAGES DAY -  This song kept up the pace from the opener with its uptempo beat all the way through the song and and would get your foot tapping and singing the catchy chorus as high and as loud as you can!     REAL GONE KID - The debut single from the album and was a more polished "live" band sound from the previous debut album's tracks from "Raintown".  It has a real Soul feel, which dives into a pulsating chorus and hit the senses as something memorable.       LOVE AND REGRET - A much slower track than previous 3 tracks.  It reminded me a little of Heart, it is essentially a Rock ballad, soft vocals from Ricky Ross and soft harmonies from Lorraine McIntosh ma

TERENCE TRENT D'ARBY "INTRODUCING THE HARDLINE ACCORDING TO..." 1987 IF YOU ALL GET TO HEAVEN - A powerful, soulful, uplifting, spiritual opener to this brilliant debut album by Terence Trent D'Arby which led to comparisons to Prince for its diversity and class of songs.  One of the best debut albums of the decade at a time when the 80s was winding down in a horrible blast of Acid House, Boybands and Novelty acts.  A great track to start. IF YOU LET ME STAY - The debut single that put D'Arby on the musical map, reaching number 7 on the UK chart.  This is a perfect Motown style Pop crossover.  Typically soulful vocals over a midtempo almost funky backing track.  This brought the styles of Michael Jackson, James Brown and Sam Cooke all together in one song.       WISHING WELL - A big hit when released as the second single.  This is the song that reminds me most of Prince.  Its sparse arrangement backing a funky, simple drumbeat and soulful Pop vocals make this an

  THE PROCLAIMERS   "THIS IS THE STORY" 1987   THROW THE 'R' AWAY - This debut album by twins Charlie and Craig Reid was a godsend for me in the late 80s, along with Hue & Cry, Texas, Deacon Blue and Del Amitri.  Scotland gave me hope of great music when the 80s was dying to boybands and Acid House and fake white rappers.  This opening track is a a Rock N' Roll style track with a hint of uptempo Blues.  An electric start with this debut single. OVER AND DONE WITH - Ironically sounding like a stripped down "The Passenger" from Iggy Pop with the intro.  Then the vocals kick in with the boys' inimitable style (so refreshing to hear artists from the UK not trying to sing American! It reminds me of The Everly Brothers with the dual harmonies.  Brilliant. MISTY BLUE - The tempo slows down a little with this track.  It is a passionate, gentle at times but positive Gaelic Folk ballad.  Really nice pure song. THE PART THAT REALLY MATTERS - Another 60s

WHAM! "MAKE IT BIG"   1984     WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO - The opener to the abum was a 50s/60s inspired uptempo Rock and Roll/Pop crossover that would encourage every listener to try and stop themselves from singing the infectious chorus.     EVERYTHING SHE WANTS -  For me is one of George Michael's best lyrical songs.  It's not a ctchy Pop song, it doesn't have a catchy chorus, its composition keeps changing in the song, for fans of songwriting like myself though, the lyrics are brilliant.  This was a taster for the brilliant mature songs to come as a solo performer for George. HEARTBEAT - This has elements of a slowed down  "Freedom" hidden in the track but its ultimately a Motown Soul song similar to the greats of that genre in the 60s.  It showcases George's blossoming vocals and also his carrying of songs with a minimal backing. LIKE A BABY - In my opinion is the weakest track on the album, it mean